24th april 2019 chair's report & evaluation 2019 report...
TRANSCRIPT
24th April 2019Chair's Report & Evaluation 2019
The 16th Annual Schools Science Conference Presented by science4u.info in collaboration with University of Westminster
#science4u2019
Repo
rt 2
019
On the morning of Wednesday 24 April 2019 almost 100 volunteer scientists andhealthcare professionals from the NHS, charities and companies prepared to describe to 376 secondary school students the role of science in the world at the 16th Annual Schools Science Conference, Science for Sustainability.
Registration was swiftly followed by some brief housekeeping guidelines and then students went straight into their programme sessions.
The theme, Science for Sustainability, was chosen as science has always played a vital role in new developments in the NHS; cutting-edge treatments such as gene therapy new diagnostic tests among others. With the current financial constraints future needs have to consider how essential science and scientific development can be delivered in a cost effective manner. Scientific advances can ensure patients receive the most optimal treatment – in effect personalized medicine. This benefits patients and also saves the NHS time and money that might otherwise be wasted on ineffectual care plans.
We were delighted this year to have our keynote speaker, Prof Lewis Dartnell of University of Westminster; his lecture was entitled Astrobiology - The Hunt for Alien Life. Astrobiology is a brand new field of science, encompassing research into the origins and limits of life on our own planet, and where life might exist beyond the Earth.
Prof Dartnell explored what actually is ‘life’ and how did it emerge on our own world? What are the most extreme conditions terrestrial life can tolerate? And what would an alien actually look like - how realistic are the life-forms envisaged by science fiction novels and films over the years? Jas well as one of the greatest questions ever asked: Are we alone...?
There were 5 exciting sessions for the students:
What does your poo say about you?Presented by the Royal College of Pathology
What does your poo say about you?! Pathologists explained how they look for early signs of disease on the inside by testing what comes out! Students had the chance to test ‘fake poo’ using special cards used by hospital labs. They discovered how these ‘poo-in-the-post’ cards have been used to
screen groups of older people for early signs of bowel cancer. A final activity using magnetic sheets demonstrated how a new more accurate ‘poo test’ works, and how it is helping make our health services more efficient.
As well as getting to work with pathologists and other medics and scientists, they got to take away info about careers in pathology plus other Royal College of Pathologists freebies!
Science in Practice – 1, 2 & 3
Over 40 hands-on interactive displays showcased what healthcare and other scientists do. This gave the students a chance to meet scientists, discover what they do and why, as well as trying some of the tasks for themselves. In this informal and fun session, the students were able to see the practical application of what they have been learning in the school classroom and gain an insight into the different career paths available to them. The activities ranged from blood transfusion, microbiology, transplantation, radiotherapy, resuscitation, physiotherapy, perfusion, immunology, histology, haematology, audiology, cardiology, genetics, pharmacy, chemistry to nuclear medicine and much more. There were opportunities to win prizes for participation. The students asked lots of searching questions, including what the scientists enjoyed about their jobs and what qualifications were needed.
Science for ExperimentationSupported by The Association for Clinical Biochemistry & Laboratory Medicine
This was an opportunity for the students to present research of their own in order to win the Trophy for the Don Henderson Award . The standard of research and presentation was excellent, and the judges had a difficult time in determining the winners, however, Fulham Boys School won a tough contest.
Teachers' Workshop Presented by Angus Woodhams, Education Project Officer,
British Science Association
The Teachers’ session provided hands on and practical ideas to enthuse students about STEM.
Chair's report
Chai
r's R
epor
t
FeedbackFeedback has been very positive. All teachers found the event was of benefit to their students. Most importantly the students had a great educational time with comments including ‘Amazing event - really inspiring’ and ‘Science is awesome!’ as well as praise for the speakers and volunteers.
One student wrote –‘It was a very fun event which bettered my understanding and science careers - I feel privileged to be here and would definitely recommend this’.
Of the students who completed the evaluation after the event, when asked whether they would recommend this event to their friends 90% said ‘Yes’.
The Organising Team are very grateful to all of our presenters for giving their time and for their inspirational sessions. We are also indebted to the University of Westminster and our many sponsors.
Kimberly Gilmour & Stuart AdamsKimberly Gilmour & Stuart AdamsJoint Chairs of the Organising Committee
Chai
r's R
epor
t
The 16th Annual Schools Science Conference - Science for Sustainability -
was held at the University of Westminster on the 24th April, 2019. This is a
conversational event aiming to bring scientists and students together to discuss
science and science careers. A total of 376 students aged 11-16 from secondary
schools and colleges across London attended. They were accompanied by their
teachers and teaching assistants. The event was organised by an enthusiastic
group of volunteers consisting of scientists from various London hospitals,
colleges and associated organisations.
Approximately 100 volunteer scientists mainly from the healthcare sector
were recruited to showcase their professions. Students from the University of
Westminster and Public Health England acted as hosts conducting the students
around the different activities. Prof Lewis Dartnell of University of Westminster
kindly gave the keynote speech. The students and teachers were asked to
complete an evaluation form and this is the summary of the responses.
WhiteMixedAsian or Asian BritishBlack or Black BritishOtherPreferred not to say
MFPreferred not to say
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
Attendees Demographics
EncatchmentLocation of schools attending
Attendees• Al-Sadiq and Al-Zahra Schools• Ashcroft Technology Academy• Bishop Douglass Catholic School• Bishop Thomas Grant School• Camden School For Girls• Central Foundation Girls’ School• Claremont High School Academy• Eastbury Community School• Eastlea Community School• Fulham Boys School• George Mitchell School• Harris Academy St John's Wood• King Fahad Academy• Marylebone Boys’ School• Overton Grange School• The St Marylebone CE School• Wanstead High School• Westminster Academy• Winchmore School
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
Students' EvaluationScience
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
Students' Evaluation Careers
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
BEFORE attending the ConferenceAFTER attending the Conference
BEFORE ATTENDING If you answered definitely or
probably, in what area?Industry
Research
Pharmacy
Chemistry
Engineering
Physics
Biology
Environment
Teaching
Computing
Other
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
BEFORE ATTENDING If you answered definitely or
probably, what as?Cardiologist
Data scientist
Dentist
Doctor
Forensic Pathologist
Healthcare Scientist
Heart Surgeon
Midwife
Neuro Surgeon
Nurse
Optician
Optometrist
Pathologist
Pharmacist
Physiotherapist
Psychologist
Surgeon
Therapist
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
AFTER ATTENDING Which science careers would you consider taking up in the future?
Aerospace
Anaesthetist
Astrobiologist
Astrophysicist
Biochemist
Biologist
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Scientist
Cardiologist
Chemical engineer
Chemist
Computer Scientist
Data Scientist
Dentist
Dermatologist
Doctor
Engineering
Environment
Experimental Scientist
Forensics
Geneticist
Healthcare scientist
Horse Therapist
Marine Biologist
Medicine
Microbiologist
Midwife
Neuro Biologist
Neurologist
Neurosurgeon
Nurse
Optometrist
Paediatrician
Particle Physicist
Pathologist
Pharmacist
Physician
Physicist
Physics
Physiologist
Physiotherapist
Psychology
Radiographer
Radiologist
Radiotherapist
Research
Rheumatologist
Surgeon
Teacher
Toxicology
Vet
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
BEFORE attending the ConferenceAFTER attending the Conference
BEFORE ATTENDING If you answered definitely or
probably, in what area?Industry
Research
Pharmacy
Chemistry
Engineering
Physics
Biology
Environment
Teaching
Computing
Other
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
BEFORE ATTENDING If you answered definitely or
probably, what as?Cardiologist
Data scientist
Dentist
Doctor
Forensic Pathologist
Healthcare Scientist
Heart Surgeon
Midwife
Neuro Surgeon
Nurse
Optician
Optometrist
Pathologist
Pharmacist
Physiotherapist
Psychologist
Surgeon
Therapist
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
AFTER ATTENDING Which science careers would you consider taking up in the future?
Aerospace
Anaesthetist
Astrobiologist
Astrophysicist
Biochemist
Biologist
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Scientist
Cardiologist
Chemical engineer
Chemist
Computer Scientist
Data Scientist
Dentist
Dermatologist
Doctor
Engineering
Environment
Experimental Scientist
Forensics
Geneticist
Healthcare scientist
Horse Therapist
Marine Biologist
Medicine
Microbiologist
Midwife
Neuro Biologist
Neurologist
Neurosurgeon
Nurse
Optometrist
Paediatrician
Particle Physicist
Pathologist
Pharmacist
Physician
Physicist
Physics
Physiologist
Physiotherapist
Psychology
Radiographer
Radiologist
Radiotherapist
Research
Rheumatologist
Surgeon
Teacher
Toxicology
Vet
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Students' Evaluation Education
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
YesNo
More likelyLess likelyUnchanged
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
More likelyLess likelyUnchanged
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
Students' EvaluationComments
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
• :)• A really fun day• A very informative and interesting event• Absolutely fantastic tour guide and very friendly experience overall - thanks!• All the staff were very polite• Amazing event - really inspiring• Each room had good interactive activities• Everything was so interesting! Definitely will have a career in stem• Exhibits about how harmful sugar is yet lots of
sweets available - reduce these please!• Fun and interesting and very educational - I learned a lot of new things• Good event and it was quite interesting but I don't
think I'll go into Science (but you never know)• Great event - I would like to visit again• Hosts were very kind and had really entertaining tasks• I believe it would've been better if there were more workshops
rather than stalls as they engage you more• I enjoyed how the sessions were engaging and well
explained - the presentations were very informative• I enjoyed today's conference and its creativity• I found it displays very interesting and insightful about different
fields within science - people here very kind and friendly as well• I found out a lot of stuff such as how anaesthetics work• I just appreciate you for allowing me to come to your university
• I learned that physics, chemistry and biology are more connected with each other
• I love the part about poo because it was something very interesting that I probably wouldn't have learned anywhere else
• I really enjoyed it and liked how interactive all the workshops were• I really enjoyed my time at University of Westminster - although only here
for a short time I've learned a lot - very organised and I had an exciting time• I really enjoyed the conference - made me realise that there are many
different pathways available to students who have a passion for science• I really enjoyed this event because I learnt a lot more about
science was very surprised by some of the interesting facts I was told - Also, I would have liked some more time in each room
• I really enjoyed today - It was really fascinating; it is allowed me to learn more about science and increased my interest
• I think it was very beneficial as I learned a lot from it and it was very engaging - it was really fun!
• I was able to explore different uses of biology, chemistry and physics - it was really fun
• I would like to thank the people who organised this event• If there is another event can you please include
more physics and engineering stuff• In one word - amazing!• Interesting - engaging - I liked the freebies - really
nice polite staff - good hospitality
Students' EvaluationComments
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
• It has encouraged me to take a career in science • It is really nice to see so many careers• It was a great event and encouraged people to
take a look at careers in science• It was a very fun event which bettered my understanding and science
careers - I feel privileged to be here and would definitely recommend this• It was amazing and helped me make new choices about what I want to do• It was an amazing experience; it helped me think about my career• It was an eye opening event to see the different
branches and routes to take into science• It was enjoyable and very informative and has
made me more interested in science• It was great and fun - I wish there were more events like this• It was really fun - I enjoyed it very much and I
now know a lot more about science• It was really fun as we got to interact with different science professions• It was very intriguing and helpful to my life and education in school• It was very intriguing and I would like to come next year, too• It was well planned and executed• It widened my mind and was fun and interactive as well as informative• It would've been nice if there have been more workshops on surgery• Lots of freebies to take and remember the event by• Science is awesome!
• Thank you for inviting us• The event was amazing and very interactive - I've
learned so many new interesting facts• The experience taught me how hospitals work;
it was good to see the technology• The people presenting were absolutely brilliant; kept me and my
peeps engaged throughout - thank you for the opportunity• The what does your poo say about you activity was placed
just after lunch - it would've been better at another time• Thoroughly enjoyed it - it opened me up to new opportunities for the future• Today has increased my knowledge on science and has been very interesting• Today has influenced me to carry on with my dream
which is to become a neurosurgeon• Today was very intriguing as I learnt and was engaged in the practicals• Today's event has influenced me in many aspects - it was
good to see all the latest technology in the medical field• Today's event has opened my eyes about lot of problems
in science such as diseases and sustainability• Today's event was close to flawless• Very enjoyable - especially the practicals• When doing the poo experiment there could have been bigger
gloves as I couldn't fit my hands in those they gave
EvaluationThe Activities
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
Science in Practice - 1 Science in Practice - 3Science in Practice - 2 What Does Your Poo Say About You? Science for Experimentation
Science in Practice - 1 Science in Practice - 3Science in Practice - 2 What Does Your Poo Say About You? Science for Experimentation OVERALL
OVERALL
What issues, if any, have made it difficult for you to attend and is there anything we could do to change that?
• There should be a bit more time after the holidays; today was our first day back
• The rooms were very crowded and rushed• It's my first time and I like everything• Travel was a problem as train was cancelled -
not really something you guys can control• None; although the late session caused problems with some students
How could we improve this event for you and your students?
• Allow more time for science in practice sessions - students found it very interesting
• It was a little bit rushed during each science in practice session• We are very happy with the event• Air conditioning - please very hot• Give students opportunity to speak to the judges - question and answer• Rushed and congested• Larger rooms in which the stalls can be spread out• Larger rooms for easier transitions• Not put students into random groups for the pathologists workshop• More time in the science in practice rooms x 2• Smaller groups / fewer pupils• Students not in random groups for the poo session• More videos and activities• Rooms felt very crowded and the first few sessions felt a little rushed• The science in practice one session in a larger space• Very congested• More time to gather information in science in practice• Bigger rooms for the stalls• A bit more organised• New events in science and practice sessions• Smaller area - easy to get lost (however, our guide was great)• Smaller groups for workshops• It is quite warm and very tiring• Not enough time in Science in practice 1 & 2; too long in room 3• More control over which room has more time
(opportunity to revisit favourite areas)
What was of most benefit?
• Career ideas for students• Information about outreach services• Meeting scientists from different career backgrounds • Science in practice• Opportunity to present their investigations• Career paths• Get an idea of careers in science• Lots of practical demonstrations • Science in practice - talking to professionals and hands-on experiences• Science in practice sessions - seeing real-life jobs• Science in practice• Showing STEM careers• Different workshops• Science in practice• Visiting different stands for career paths in science• Hands-on area• Science in practice and science for experimentation x 2• New careers• Exhibitions, the chance to talk to scientists, preparation to the conference• Hands-on experiences and practitioners answering questions• The different breakout sessions• Pupils loved the hands-on stalls• Going around the different Science stations• Science in practice• Asking about various career paths in science• Career talks• Experience of different careers and applications• The poo session• Chatting to real life scientists• I managed to network and get details of volunteers to come into school
What was of least benefit?
• Nothing - I felt that students enjoyed all parts of the day• What is your poo say about you• Science for experimentation• Being rushed in science in practice• Science for experimentation BUT doing the project was
good and gave them ownership over the day• Science in practice 2• Listening to presentations
Teachers' Evaluation Comments
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
Done Don’t know None A little Some A lot
Subject choices 4 2 7 2
Career aspirations 4 7 4
Motivation to study Science
4 7 3
YN
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
Teachers' Evaluation Impact
Volunteers' Evaluation Comments
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
Has the event on 24th April 2019 been beneficial to you or your organisation? And why
• As an institutional with strong links with professions this provides an opportunity to be involved in an event providing information about careers that are relevant to our courses
• - Presentation skills - Promotion of the role of respiratory/sleep physiologists
• Cardiac physiology struggles continues to struggle hugely with recruitment. This conference is an excellent opportunity to engage children with what we do and hopefully will lead to some future physiologists!!
• We spoke with many students and teachers about our role within the NHS.
• It was really useful for us to speak to teachers and other organisations who were exhibiting.
• This event helps to raise awareness of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I) as a branch of pathology and it is an opportunity to explain to students how they can develop a career as clinical scientists with opportunity for progression and further learning if they choose to enter this field. Events like this can help to encourage young students to think about careers in NHSBT and strengthen the work force, who are all working towards helping patients with successful transplantations and transfusions.
• We spoke to quite a lot of students about physiology and a small number of them took away our careers resources to learn more about their options in the subject. The event also offered us an easy platform to support the outreach work of our local Rep at Westminster
What have you enjoyed about the event?
• Meeting the students and their teachers. I liked the timing this year, it was helpful having the later start, enabling more time to prepare our stands.
• - Students gaining a real interest in respiratory physiology - Lunch provided, as well as tea and coffee - Lots of space to set up equipment/posters etc
• Timings seemed to work really well and students had enough time to visit every stall and ask questions. Great opportunity to network with other attendees during lunch.
• I enjoyed relating what we do in our job to the science that is learnt in school.
• Meeting young people who are interested in the work that I do and inspiring the younger generation to think of careers in science.
• Enthusiasm from the children (very high this year). Being able to explain basic cardiac anatomy to the children and for them to be able to visualise it clearly by ultrasound (rather than in a text book!)
• Engaging with the students and their teachers.
Yes No
7
7 0
YesNo
Yes No
4 3
4 3
YesNo
YesNo
Yes No
1 6
1 6
Volunteers' Evaluation Comments
Eval
uatio
n Re
port
What can we do to improve the event in future?
• Difficult to find the correct balance but some students had to be moved round to next section when the just arrived at our stand.
• Not as long breaks in between groups; this year it felt like a lot of waiting around.
• Spaces between each stand were rather small and students seemed to overlap due to lack of space. Perhaps we could have a slot with teachers next time to talk to them about the STEM Ambassadors Programme and how we can support schools. Not sure if we were appropriate to be in the Biomedical section.
• All good, the timing was good, the students were at the right age for understanding the science for medical physics, the group sizes of the students was good, the number of groups was good, the lunch and coffee was good.
• Select individuals who have a keen interest in science and are thinking of a possible career in science so that they benefit the most from this type of event.
• Maybe have smaller groups attending the stands at any one time as sometimes it did get quite noisy and it was difficult to talk over all the loud excited youngsters.
• I feel that this was an excellent year. The room layout seemed to work very well as being in smaller rooms allowed each stand to be much more visible than perhaps in previous years. Although I know that this may have made people movement more difficult!!
• Clarify the times when the exhibition will be open before the day. • Label the stands with the organisation’s name
in the room and on the floor plan.
Yes No
7
7 0
YesNo
Yes No
4 3
4 3
YesNo
YesNo
Yes No
1 6
1 6
Organising Group 2019Don Henderson FounderKimberly Gilmour Co-Chair Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust
Stuart Adams Co-Chair Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust
Sue Alexander Secretary The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Manfred Almeida Treasurer Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Sarah ArmstrongThe Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Mike Carter Public Health England
Paul Hampson University of Westminster
Penny FletcherThe Royal College of Pathologists
Ayuen Lual Public Health England
Hannah McGregorPublic Health England
Maria Rossini British Science Association
Sharon Gage Event Organiser SRG Project Management
Acknowledgements & thanks
science4u is grateful to the following organisations and their staff for their kind participation and enthusiasm
• AECOM• British Science Association• Bywaters• De Montfort University• Evelina London Children’s Healthcare• Georgina’s Science Tuition• Great Ormond Street Hospital for
Children NHS Foundation Trust• Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust• Ident Design• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust• Institute of Biomedical Science
• Institute of Food Science + Technology• King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust• London Ambulance Service NHS Trust• NHS Blood and Transplant• Public Health England• Royal College of Anaesthetists• Royal College of Nursing• SRG Project Management• St George’s University Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust• STEM Learning• The Association for Clinical Biochemistry
and Laboratory Medicine• The Institute of Cancer Research
Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit• The Physiological Society • The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch
Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust• The Royal College of Pathologists• The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust• Understanding Animal Research• Unilabs • University of Westminster• West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Thanks also to the following organisations for their generous support
Silv
er Supp
orte
rs
C A Redfern Charitable Foundation
Science for Sustainability was made possible thanks to the very generous support of our key sponsors
Westminster Medical School Research Trust
Fund
ing
Great Ormand Street HospitalHealthcare Scientist Education Working Group
Philip King Charitable Trust
John Laing Charitable Trust
Gold